October152014

This past
weekend my boyfriend and I went down by the Columbia River which serves as a
border dividing the states of Oregon and Washington. On the Oregon side is the
metropolitan city of Portland, and on the Washington side is the suburb city of
Vancouver.

There are several city parks on the Washington side that border the
river, but after stopping by and scoping out each one, we settled on Marine
Park. Marine Park is located on SE Marine Park Wy & Columbia Way off of
Highway 14 on Exit #1 situated right across Portland International Airport.

The
park area spans 26 acres and offers many opportunities for recreational
activities. The park includes boat launch ramps, picnic areas, ball fields,
play equipment, and the park is also a part of the Waterfront River Renaissance
Trail. Also, since this park is located right alongside the Columbia River,
there are also beaches and areas where people can fish off of.

The view from
the park is also very scenic, where off to the east you can see Mount Hood
majestically towering amidst the sprawl of evergreen land. The park is open
from 7 AM to dusk and there are no fees with the exception for those who want
to utilize the boat launch ramps.

I have
gone fishing before, but I have never successfully caught a fish since I just
started getting into it. However, I caught my first fish while fishing at
Marine Park! I used a four foot spinning reel and rod and used corn as bait.

The reason why I used corn as bait is because at that time I did not have a
proper fishing license yet, and since I didn't have one I was only allowed to
fish for carp and corn serving is a bait is more suitable for catching carp as
opposed to using a lure. We chose to fish off of a rocky portion on the right
side of boat launches so that we wouldn't get in the way of boaters coming in
and out.

The water is shallower there and several times we got our lines
snagged in between the rocks. At one point early one I felt a tug on my line
but apparently the fish didn't fully bite and it got away. After about half an
hour later, I was just about to give up hope of catching a fish when I felt a
strong tug on my line. I hurriedly began reeling it in and sure enough I had
caught a fish!

It turned out to be a 14-inch smallmouth bass! I was so elated!
The fish was a fighter, but my boyfriend and I managed to get a hold of it so
we could take pictures of me and my catch. Since bass have very small and dull
teeth, I was able to hold it by pressing my thump inside of its mouth without
getting hurt. Afterwards, we had to let it go back into the river since I
wasn't supposed to be fishing for any type of fish other than carp.

However,
the experience of actually catching a fish and the whole process from start to
end was very, very thrilling. I look forward to going back to the area and see
if I can another fish again and hopefully even more than just one!

December202013

The Best Carp Bait For The Winter Months

The type of bait that you use when carp fishing (karp hengel) during the winter might have to be modified to some degree. The metabolism of the carp will be much lower during the winter months, causing them to become very lethargic. There are, however, specific types of bait that work very well when trying to catch carp during the winter season.

One thing that many anglers add to their carp bait is rock salt; this is a secret that many fishermen use, especially during winter months that are exceptionally cold. This can be used on pellets, pastes or maggots in most cases. You can also be extremely successful when using this on a bag made of PVC.

Another possibility is using fluoro white boilies with egg, mixing it into a malt creating a delicious syrup. A sugar-based type of bait can be very useful during the winter months simply because carp love all types of bait that have a sweet flavour.

Carp are also able to digest maggots very easily, making this a very good carp bait. You can easily balance out your hook by using a PVA mesh back that is completely filled with maggots and grubs, along with rubber grubs on your carp fishing (karp- hengel) rig.

If you have access to spicy Asian food or spices, this is something else that carp are attracted to. You can use masala, garlic salt, and turmeric in order to spice up the bait that you cast out on your line. This can also be used on boilies, or even the maggots and grubs that you use for bait as well.

Corn is another very popular type of bait; based upon its shape and colour it can attract carp very easily regardless of what time of the year it actually is. This is a very simple bait system, but anglers have had success using it for decades.

In most cases, since carp are omnivores, you can use virtually any type of bait; you can use bread as bait as well. To be ultimately successful, depending upon where you will be fishing, ask the locals what they use. If they are using a specific type of bait on a regular basis, this is what you will want to use because the carp have been conditioned to a certain flavour of bait due to the local fishermen that have been in the area for years.

December052013

Tips For Carp Fishing Today

Before you go on your next carp fishing trip, having a plan of action ready to go is something you should already have prepared. In regard to carp fishing, this is the best way that you can begin to assess your own weaknesses and strengths in regard to this type of fishing. If you have made mistakes in the past that you would like to correct, this is the best way to get a handle on becoming more successful each and every time you go out.

One of the best ways to reward yourself is to use this planned approach, something that will help you refine and adapt to new ways of becoming more proficient. You might want to focus on using the right type of bait for your carp fishing trip, something that every angler needs to understand. Since carp are extremely liberal in regard to what they eat because they are omnivores, you can use generally anything to bait them.

Some of the favorite foods of carp include bread, corn, worms, and insects, some of which are naturally found in the habitat in which they exist. So when you arrive at a lake to go fishing, before you actually cast your line, you should stop by a local fish and tackle shop to ask them what type of bait is most useful for the carp in that area and if they have any good carp fishing tips that they could share.

Since carp are much more active in warmer waters, the best time to fish for them is usually during the summer months. If they see bait in the water, they will be more willing to go after it if they are warm.

Another way to find carp is to look for flooded grass; in most cases, carp will gravitate toward these areas to feel safer, which will in turn allow you to have a higher probability of reeling one in.

A decent mainline is something that you should certainly have when you are considering all of the most important tackle in your arsenal. Using fluorocarbon for your mainline, you will have the best possible chance of landing a carp because it is virtually invisible once it is in the water.

You should also consider using Hooklink material when fishing for carp. Starting off with coded braid type rigs is best, especially for beginners, even though fluorocarbon is great to use when trying to catch carp. If you are a beginner, utilizing PVA bags will help you win ground baiting because it will ensure that the feed which you are using is placed as close to the bait as possible. As long as you have an abundance of patience, and you don't mind repetitive actions for many hours on end, you should be able to catch carp, even if you are a beginner, as long as you have the proper gear and equipment, and excellent weather to do your fishing.

November042013

What You Need to Know to Select Good Fishing Equipment

Are you interested in fishing? As you are getting started with the sport, it is important that you find and purchase good equipment in order to be successful. There are a number of inferior products on the market. Because some are quite inexpensive, they are tempting to buy, particularly if you are not sure that fishing is right for you. However, you are not going to get very much enjoyment out of fishing if you do not actually land any fish. Therefore, cheap equipment is not the best idea; instead, good fishing tackle is crucial. To pick out the right kind of equipment, it is imperative that you have an idea of what kind of fish you will be trying to catch, will you be doing bass fishing, carp fishing or saltwater fishing.

Fishing in the Ocean

Deep-sea fishing generally involves taking a boat out on the ocean, and most people charter one because of the convenience it provides. You usually do not have to worry about bringing many supplies, because the people in charge of the boat have everything you need on board. Because fish in the ocean can be quite big and strong, it is important to use a thick fishing line. You never know; you could catch a fish that weighs more than you do!

You will also notice a difference between your saltwater pole and your freshwater pole. The saltwater pole will be quite a bit longer in order to handle the type of fish that you will be targeting.

Salmon Fishing

If you are headed out to a stream or lake in search of salmon, you must take a few things into consideration. First, salmon are not small fish. Often, you can catch salmon that weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. Your rod has to be strong enough to support the size of the fish, so you should not bring the same equipment that you would bring to catch a trout.

To be on the safe side, look for a fishing pole and reel that can support a fish up to 20 pounds. That should ensure that your rod does not snap because of the size of the fish on your line.

Before you buy any fishing equipment, think about the purpose of your fishing trip. What are you hoping to catch? Where will you be fishing (salt water or fresh water)? Once you answer those questions, it will not be hard to find the equipment that you need.

October292013

Basic Fishing Knots For The Novice

If you are just learning how to fish, it is important to learn how to tie knots. This is just as essential as learning about your lines and lures. When you are tying together your reel, line and lure, you can use one of many knots to serve the purpose.

The test approach is to learn the basic, simple knots first. Practice that before you tie them on your fishing line. After you develop a certain level familiarity with the basic knots, then you can advance to the more complex types of knots.

This article has instructions on how to tie a few of the more popular knots that work very well for beginners on their fishing trips. When you can tie good fishing knots, you have more success catching fish.

If you have tie together lines that have different lengths, like when you are attaching your backing line to your main fishing line, you should the Blook Knot. Point the ends of these lines together so that the ends point in opposite directions to each other. Take the end of the shorter line and wrap around your main line with it five times. Then, take this line through the spot the these lines meet each other. Then, take the longer line and wrap that around the shorter line no more than four times. The line should pass through the hole that you made in the opposite direction. Wet these lines a bit and slowly pull on them. When you reach the end, give it firm jerk to tighten. You may have excess line at the ends, so you can go ahead and trim them off. This will give you a clean knot that will not get caught on anything.

Another knot you can try is the Trilene Knot. This is a good, strong knot that ou can use to connect swivels, snaps, lurs or hooks. The knot does not slip so you will not have to worry about the knot coming apart on you. Take the end of your line and run it through the hook or lure. Take the end and run it through a second time through the same hole. Then, wrap the line around the main part six time. Thread the line end through the coils and the eye. Give the line a quick jerk and tighten the knot. Trim of the end to prevent snagging.

October252013

Fishing Tackle Lures: Jigs, Spinners, And Spoons

Fishing tackle is as diverse as the open waters and the fish within. The tackle that you use will depend upon your level of experience, the location, and the species of fish you are trying to attract. Some lures such as jigs are universal and can be used by anyone to catch any type of fish. Spinners and spoons are best used when conditions are less favorable in order to attract fish.

Jigs

Jigs are designed to deliver rapid, jerky vertical movement through the water. They are extremely versatile and can be used in almost any condition. An inexpensive tackle choice, they consist of a weighted head with an attached hook. Jigs are covered with a soft material and come in a variety of colors to attract different fish species.

The motion of the jig comes from the fisherman. Due to its weight, it will slowly sink to the bottom of the water. Once the line becomes slack, it should be tugged and reeled in to make it dance. This motion resembled jig dancing and an experienced angler will be able to attract his prey.

Spinners

Spinners are excellent lures for the beginner. They consist of blades made from metal that are attached to the wire of the fishing hook. These blades spin while the lure is in motion and the movement in the water plus the reflection of the light on the metal blade attracts a wide variety of fish species.

The vibrations that the blade creates makes them a great choice for dark, murky waters. Because the blade motion is started by movement through water, the beginner doesn't have to know very much in order to use the spinner. Simply cast your line and let the spinner do the work.

Spoons

The fist spoon lures were literally made from real spoons with the handle removed. As spoons move through the water, they move back and forth in a waving motion. The motion emulates bait fish and is very attractive to a variety of species. Quality game fish that eat smaller fish arrive to chow down on this lure.

Spoons are now manufactured in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Because they use sight to attract the fish, clear water conditions are a requirement. The flash is important, so make sure that your spoons have highly reflective materials within them for best effect.

October192013

What You Need To Think About When Selecting The Best Carp Fishing Rigs

Fishing for carp is not based on luck. It is more like a science. If you want to catch a bunch of carp, you will need to know the best carp fishing rig to use for that. You certainly do not want to sit around the lake for a long time and have nothing to show for it. So, if you want to improve your chances in catching a lot of carp, learn what the best rigs are before you head out to the lake.

Do some research on the area where you are headed. What kind of fish are there, and what are you trying to catch in particular? Different types of tackle are effective on different types of fish. So, you need to find the tackle that works well on the fish in the area that you are going to. Have on hand several rig options because if one type does not work, you can switch to another type to see if things will improve. If your find the right rig to use, you will catch fish, big and small.

Many people do not have much success in catching fish whenever they go on a fishing trip. That may be because they are ill prepared, or maybe they were at a bad fishing spot with hardly any fish. However, you can avoid situations like this. Just do some research for the best spots and the best rigs to use, and you can maximize your chances of catching something. You can either cook what you catch or throw them back if you are only fishing for the sport. The main thing to remember is that you should be enjoying yourself while you are fishing.

August262013

Tips On How To Get Better At Fishing

As you learn more about fishing, your experience will vastly improve, leading to larger catches. If you are seeking knowledge on how to catch a lot of fish while having fun, then this is the article you are looking for.

When you're trying to decide whether you should fish downhill or uphill, utilize the fish's seasonal migration patterns. During spring, you will need to cast your rod upstream so that your bait is waiting in front of the fish swimming downstream. Fishing downhill works best in the fall when fish are returning.

Knowing what you're doing is the only way for a beginner to succeed. Do plenty of research before starting. There are a lot of books you can read that will give you a lot of knowledge before you start fishing. When you are armed with this information, you will soon be catching the best fish out there!

Grubs which are light colored are the best to fish with. The most effective colors include white, speckled, light green, yellow or light gray. Translucent grubs often contain iridescent pigments that reflect light and attract bass. Choose a grub that is the same color as the water for times when fish aren't biting. View that site for more details.

Before setting out on a fishing trip, you must pack a few essential items. This kit should contain items that are well suited for the environment you are attending. Generally speaking, basic essentials are items like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you will be fishing in a wild area, bring a compass, flashlight, and cell phone.

Be sure you are prepared before you go fishing; this includes taking care of things for your boat like keeping up with its battery. You want to maintain the upkeep of your battery, so take it out and put it around a dry area either in your garage or basement. However, you should avoid placing the batter directly on concrete as this has been shown to lessen battery life.

If you do not plan to keep the fish you caught, do not fight the fish when reeling him in. A long battle to reel the fish in can injure or even kill the fish. Just cut the line if you can't reel a fish in so as to avoid killing it during the fight.

Do your best to not waste the fish you catch. It can be fun to bring home tons of fish, but it's a waste if you let most of them rot. If you think you caught too many fish, either release some of them back into the water or share with friends.

If you are taking a boat on your fishing trip, make use of a fish finder for locating the best fishing spot, especially when doing carp fishing. Smaller groups of fish can be found with fish finders that utilize sonar technology. Some diehard old timers shun the use of a fish finder and rely on instincts and luck. These fisherman believe fishing is a real sport where there should be no unfair advantages.

It's important that fishermen educate themselves about moon phases, and how they effect the behavior of fish. Full moons tend to prove the best night times to fish, since fish will be most active then. Keep in mind that while the moonlight makes the fish more active, you need to camouflage your presence as much as possible.

Plan to take a break in your fishing at about noon. Because of the angle of the sun during that time of day, fish will be more cautious and less likely to take your bait. Set aside an hour or so to eat lunch, then resume fishing in less direct sunlight.

Patience is key to successful fishing. If you find it to be difficult for you, then it may be better for you to find a sport that requires less time and patience. Otherwise, you may have to train your levels of patience by starting out with smaller fishing trips.

Although fishing can be a peaceful, relaxing and productive hobby, if you can't seem to catch anything it becomes an exercise in frustration. The solid advice in this article will teach you how to improve your luck and let you enjoy your trip more. Now use your new knowledge to catch some fish!